News Archive - 2003

December 2003

Gillazilla Records has announced a January 1, 2004 release date for Thumbsing, the fifth recording from fingerstyle guitarist Richard Gilewitz.

Thumbsing has been a few years in the making and it is an example of Richard's uncompromising desire to produce an album that illustrates his love of the guitar. From beginning to end, Thumbsing is truly a thumbprint of instrumental "singings" from the guitar.

The album features seven original songs by Richard and six very contrasted covers including a 16th century lute piece composed by Alonso de Mudarra and the traditional "Freight Train" by Elizabeth Cotten.

Thumbsing begins with its title song. Penned by Richard as a challenge to himself, he uses only the right thumb for fingerpicking.

"Wazamataz", premiered live at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville as part of Muriel Anderson's "All Star Guitar Night" Tribute to Chet Atkins, is written in a lively, finger snapping alternating bass style.

"Have You Ever Seen a Rainbow at Night?", completed in New Zealand during a rainy downpour, was first played on a nylon-string guitar. A playful nursery rhyme of a melody skips throughout the song, producing an instant desire to hum this tune.

"Daughter of Pete's Feet" pushes the envelope of the blues genre as Richard's first slide tune on his 6 string-guitar. It's a contagious rhythmic selection with a blues groove that immediately locks in the listener.

In the tradition of the folk hit "Cripple Creek", "Pete's Feet" is a fast paced tune that spawned "Daughter of Pete's Feet". This spunky, toe tapping little gem features Richard's left hand playing all the way up to the 19th fret.

Originally composed while missing the first string on the guitar, "Sarah Natasha" is Uncle Richard's salute to his niece, for whom the song is titled. When the song was completed, Richard suddenly remembered to change his strings and realized that there was room for only one note on the first string.

Players will have to guess which one is that note!

Classical selections include Richard's gentle contribution of a Bach prelude and Alonso de Mudurra's complex "Fantasia". This wonderful 16th century lute piece is recorded on a steel string guitar - possibly the first time ever by an artist.

The uniquely sounding Papoose Guitar adds a whimsical mood to the 45- second version of Elizabeth Cotten's "Freight Train. It's a short and sweet Traditional folk offering.

"Layover", one of Michael Hedges signature pieces, was chosen by Richard to honor this innovative player. It's in an unusual tuning of DACGCE.

Sitting on the edge of the stage following an appearance with John Renbourn and Clive Carroll at the Blackstone River Theatre in Rhode Island, Richard asked the composer of "The Hermit" for some technical guidance. Smiling with delight, John indicated his pleasure in Richard's intention to record his tune, as he has not played it in a number of years.

The rendition of a John Fahey standard, "Sunflower River Blues", continues Richard's ever present quest to preserve the legacy of the "father" of American primitive steel string guitar.

And finally, a much-requested solo 12-string rendition of the 1996 "Dirt To Dust" - exactly as Richard performs it live in concert with the haunting introduction, "Gypsy Minor" and a revised middle section.

Thumbsing was produced by Richard Gilewitz, recorded by Wayne Brown at Greenbrier Music in Greenbrier, Alabama and mastered by Mike Fuller at Fullersound in Miami, Florida. The 13-piece CD was recorded in 24-bit digital with 2 microphones, no overdubbing and exclusively with Tacoma Guitars (6 and 12-steel string and the Papoose). A diary of the recording session is available from the Greenbrier Music website at www.greenbriermusicshop.com/Gilewitz.htm.

September 2003

Richard Returns to the Studio

The rumor is true that Richard has returned to the studio to record another CD. This newest project has been an exciting time for everyone involved, especially during the recording session.

Wayne Brown, owner of Greenbrier Music Shop in Anniston Alabama, joined Richard in producing a CD packed with new Gilewitz originals as well as carefully selected songs of writers who have influenced Richard's career. Titled "Thumbsing", this 13-song recording is all acoustic guitar with no over dubbing or extra instruments. Recorded entirely on Tacoma Guitars, Richard plays his 6-string, 12-string maple jumbo, and the Papoose.

The release date of "Thumbsing" will soon be announced. In the meantime, read all about the recording process at www.greenbriermusicshop.com/Gilewitz.htm.

July 2003

Tacoma Guitars is proud to sponsor "T For Tacoma, T for Tennessee;" a night of acoustic performances featuring top performing/recording artists and Tacoma Guitars endorsees.

The night begins with fingerstyle soloist and Tacoma touring clinician, Richard Gilewitz. Known for his technique on the 6 and 12-string guitar, an offbeat sense of humor, and tales from the road, Gilewitz continues to entertain crowds worldwide with his virtuoso chops and valuable insights.

Following Gilewitz is local Nashville guitarist/songwriter Luke Bulla. Bulla gained his credibility early on playing fiddle with the Ricky Skaggs band. His most recent efforts are with his band Wisechild, whose focus on diverse music and wide appeal earned them opening spots for recent acts like John Mayer, and G. Love & Special Sauce.

Closing the night is Americana/New Grass singer-songwriter John Cowan. Cowan is currently supporting his second Sugar Hill solo album "Always Take Me Back." Pivotal member of the influential New Grass Revival, Cowan has had a rich past in musical experience. He continues to collaborate with icons such as Bela Fleck and producer Wendy Waldman.

A talented and diverse line-up like this occurs only once in a great while and these times are always enhanced by wonderful instruments.

Come and help make "T for Tacoma, T for Tennessee" a special evening.

May/June 2003

Canadian Tour Opens Door to a French Version of Fingerstyle Guitar Selections

Richard continues to expand his horizons on an international level by touring just about every province of Canada during April and May. Never one for keeping things simple, Richard managed to visit such places as St. Johns, Newfoundland; Truro, Nova Scotia for the annual guitar show; Quebec City and Sherbrooke, Quebec in between touring Wales, the UK and Arkansas! The month of May found Richard taking in the western half of Canada, with stops in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta; Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan -- then on to Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia.

To top off his visit to Canada, PromoSon L.G. Inc. approached Richard about his songbook, Fingerstyle Guitar Selections. This prominent publisher of music books has selected Richard's popular songbook of guitar pieces for steel string tunes for translation in French and will be the exclusive distributor in Canada, making it available from selected stores located in the Canadian Provinces of Quebec and Ontario.

April 2003

Richard has a brand new look!

Actually, it is his web site that is sporting a new design and we think this updated portal into the Richard's travels, music, Gillagoods, and writings is destined to be a frequent stopping point for many web surfers. The masthead photograph that is carried throughout the entire site may look a little off-planet, but those who know Richard would expect nothing different! He has always followed a distinct cadence and his light bulb glows a little brighter. Planet Richard - Pop.1 seems to say it all.

March 2003

TOP FINGERSTYLE GUITARIST RICHARD GILEWITZ TO GIVE CLINICS
FOR D’ADDARIO & PLANET WAVES

FARMINGDALE, NY, March 10, 2003
J. D’Addario & Company, Inc. proudly announces that fingerstyle guitar virtuoso Richard Gilewitz has signed on as a D’Addario and Planet Waves endorsee and as a full-time clinician.

Gilewitz is renowned for his playing skills, and his clinics are internationally-famous for their wit and fine teaching techniques. Gilewitz travels the world presenting his Guitar Seminar Workshop Series in music stores, and his Meet the Artist – Music in the Schools Enrichment Program in all levels of schools, where he gets young people interested in playing the guitar. He plays both standard songs and his own lively compositions at the clinics, and his storytelling in between is so entertaining that some attendees forget that they’re actually learning.

"During my tours in every type of climate imaginable, the combination of the D'Addario String line and Planet Waves products provide me with literally everything I could possibly need," Gilewitz remarks of his choice of guitar strings and accessories.

Gilewitz has performed in concert with Leo Kottke, Norman Blake, Taj Mahal, John Hammond, Steve Morse, The Indigo Girls, America, Jorma Kaukonen, and many other top musicians. As a D’Addario and Planet Waves endorsee, Gilewitz will promote D’Addario’s award-winning line of EXP coated strings plus a wide variety of Planet Waves accessories products at his store clinics.

"Richard’s incredible virtuosity and versatility, not to mention his commanding personality, are perfect vehicles for communicating the intricacies and benefits of the D’Addario and Planet Waves diverse product lines," says D’Addario Fretted Strings Brand Manager Brian Vance. "We’re thrilled to have him on board to represent our company and products to dealers and consumers everywhere. They’re in for a real treat."

For more information on J. D’Addario products, visit www.daddario.com.

J. D’Addario & Company, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets complete lines of strings for fretted and bowed musical instruments, drumheads and accessories and guitar accessories under the brand names D’Addario, Evans Drumheads, and Planet Waves. J. D’Addario & Company, Inc. is also the sole North American distributor of Vandoren woodwind accessories. The Farmingdale, N.Y.-based headquarters of J. D’Addario & Company, Inc. features a full-service R&D, manufacturing and warehouse facility, and the company’s products are marketed in approximately 100 countries for use by touring musicians, marching bands, orchestral musicians and in a variety of other musical instrument applications.

February 2003

Home is...

One of the most frequent questions asked of Richard is, "Where do you live?" After Richard looked at his 2003 calendar and counted the days he would be home, he has begun to wonder himself where he "hangs his hat". From the 1st of January through May, Richard will be on the road 108 days out of 151!

Catch him in your town (or passing through your airport) for his concert appearances with new tunes that have yet been recorded and his guitar and sound reinforcement workshops for Tacoma Guitars, SWR Sound, Planet Waves, and D'Addario Strings. It's only a click away.

January 2003

Traveling the World with Richard

Join Richard as he recaps his September 2002 tour of New Zealand by browsing through this first edition of the Gillatours. From the time he arrives in Wellington to the day of departure back to the USA, Richard’s impressions are presented in a series of photos and captions. Share this tour to a country of two islands as Richard discovers the warm hospitality and friendship of the people of the North and South Islands. Visit each town on Richard’s itinerary and meet the blue penguins of Oamaru, gaze at the breathtaking scenery, and learn about a few of the treasured national landmarks. You’ll chuckle at Richard preparing for his tour of Ireland with his hat attire, marvel at the diverse landscape scenes, and wonder about Richard’s choice of meals.

Come along now for a journey with Richard.